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- Tasks: Lead R&D to drive innovation and develop new products in a dynamic environment.
- Company: A leading UK chemical manufacturer with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to work on cutting-edge projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the world of materials science and product development.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy opportunities for travel and hands-on work.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.
Based in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Company: A UK-based specialist chemical manufacturer, headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, that has grown into a world-leading supplier of tin oxide and related high-performance metal oxides used as functional pigments and nanomaterials across a wide range of industrial applications including ceramics, glass, electrical/electronic components, coatings, laser marking and infrared absorption technologies.
The Role: To lead and manage the Research & Development (R&D) department and the Pilot Plant, driving innovation and process development. Provide strategic and operational support to Production, Sales, and EHSQ departments to ensure alignment with business objectives, enhance product quality, and maintain compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop innovative new products aligned with strategic goals
- Explore new chemistries to support product innovation
- Define analytical and quality parameters for product validation
- Design and upscale manufacturing processes to pilot scale
- Establish analytical and quality procedures to ensure product functionality
- Provide technical service support to the Sales team and customers
- Develop new applications for existing and new products
- Assist Production in resolving manufacturing issues
- Manage the R&D laboratory and its personnel
- Specify and develop equipment and technical standards as required
- Oversee health & safety compliance and ensure laboratory meets all relevant regulations
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- Preferred PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science, Mineralogy, or Polymer Science
- Working knowledge of a foreign language preferred
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Experience in process design and scale-up desirable
- Highly motivated, hands-on, with a proactive and creative mindset
- Willingness to perform practical laboratory work
- Experience with analytical techniques, especially spectroscopy
- Comfortable working in a small team under pressure and tight deadlines
- Willingness to travel occasionally
For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.
For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.
Why select Listgrove?
- Five Decades of Market Intelligence
- Unrivalled Industry Networks
- Recognised International brand
- HR Qualified Professionals
To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove's Case Studies page.
Throughout 2026 & 2027 you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions: Interpack, France Innovation Plasturgie, Interplas UK, Plast Milan, Fakuma, ArabPlast, NPE 2027.
Performance through People.
Head Of R&D in Birmingham employer: Listgrove
Contact Detail:
Listgrove Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of R&D in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in R&D and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the field! During interviews, share your ideas on product innovation and process development. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of R&D in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of R&D role. Highlight your experience in research and development, especially in areas like inorganic chemistry or materials science. We want to see how your background aligns with our innovative goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about leading R&D and how your skills can drive innovation at our company. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've developed new products or improved processes in previous roles. We love seeing tangible results that demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Listgrove
✨Know Your Chemistry
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of inorganic chemistry and materials science. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've applied these concepts in past projects, especially in product innovation or process design.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of R&D, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've managed teams in the past, resolved conflicts, and driven projects to success while maintaining compliance with health and safety standards.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to analytical techniques and manufacturing processes. Brush up on spectroscopy and other relevant methods, and be prepared to explain how you've used them in practical scenarios.
✨Align with Company Goals
Research the company's strategic goals and think about how your vision for the R&D department can align with them. Be ready to discuss how you can drive innovation that supports their objectives and enhances product quality.
